NATIONAL MANUFACTURING WEEK, 1-5 MARCH 2010

That this House welcomes National Manufacturing Week organised by the Engineering Employers Federation, which begins on 1 March 2010; appreciates the importance of British manufacturers in establishing a healthy and sustainable economy; notes that UK manufacturing currently accounts for 2.5 million jobs and 50 per cent. of British exports; further notes that despite an extension of the Enterprise Finance Guarantee to 31 March 2011, many small UK businesses are still not getting the support they need; recognises the potential that UK manufacturing holds in finding solutions to future challenges faced all over the world; and urges the Government to invest in long-term sustainability of the UK economy by supporting British manufacturers through this difficult economic climate.